The digital evolution of water and gas distribution networks today revolves around a key concept: AI on Edge. After the Internet of Things, which connected thousands of field devices, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence into control systems is guiding industrial architectures toward a phase of deep reengineering, with particular focus on neural networks: a mathematical model inspired by the functioning of the human brain, designed to recognize patterns, interpret complex data, and make autonomous decisions.
Onyax, an Italian company with solid experience in industrial telecommunications and in collaboration with university research centers, has taken its first steps toward integrating AI on Edge into its devices, enabling local data processing and distributed intelligence capable of recognizing patterns and anomalies in real time.
This distributed approach is particularly effective in water, oil & gas, and energy systems, where the timeliness of decisions affects service quality and infrastructure safety.
Challenges
Implementing neural networks on IoT devices represents a significant technological evolution, but also introduces a series of complex challenges that require a targeted design strategy. The first aspect concerns energy management: devices often operate in isolated environments and are battery-powered, meaning they must ensure years of operation with minimal consumption. Data security and privacy complete the picture: local processing reduces the risk of interception or breaches but requires effective protection of sensitive information. Finally, the most strategic challenge: evolving device intelligence without having to reprogram them individually. The answer lies in shared learning: each network node learns from its own local data and shares only the results, contributing to a continuously improving global knowledge base.
Onyax solutions
Onyax stands out for its ability to transform AI on Edge into operational solutions dedicated to supporting network operators in the management of distribution infrastructures. The TUBE-T3 and NEMO devices represent two concrete examples of intelligent, fully “on-edge” applications, featuring unique characteristics: compact dimensions, quick installation, integrated low-power battery, ultra-low-power microcontroller, and NB-IoT communication for long-range and reliable connectivity. Through the implementation of a compact neural network, TUBE-T3 was designed as an “intelligent device” for leak detection and remote monitoring of physical parameters such as pressure, vibration, temperature, and acoustics, developed also thanks to Research and Development activities with the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering at Politecnico di Milano.
Furthermore, with the scientific contribution of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pavia, Onyax developed NEMO, a micro-laboratory for monitoring water quality, capable of analyzing physicochemical parameters such as pH, RedOx, ORP, free chlorine, temperature, flow rate, turbidity, and conductivity. Thanks to the integration of AI on Edge and advanced techniques such as Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), NEMO can identify the “water fingerprint” in real time as well as detect anomalies or contamination, accelerating the data processing workflow.
Application cases
Onyax has undertaken a technological digitization journey for several companies in the region.
In the EVALD (Electro-Vibro-Acoustic-Leakage-Detect) project, the TUBE-T3 device was used for leak detection in water and gas networks. Thanks to the neural network, the sensor locally recognizes abnormal vibro-acoustic and pressure patterns in real time, activating intelligent alerts only during critical events. The result is predictive and continuous monitoring, reduced data traffic, and improved operational efficiency.
In parallel, in the NEMO project, the devices were installed to create a distributed network for water quality monitoring. This digital infrastructure has made the territory smarter and more sustainable, ensuring citizens benefit from a water service monitored in real time.
Toward sustainable digitization of utilities
In both projects, through shared learning among devices, Onyax’s AI on Edge technology proves to be an enabling tool for intelligent, resilient, connected, and low-energy-impact distribution networks.
Thanks to these technologies, it is now possible to implement advanced Early Monitoring processes and electro-vibro-acoustic control for functional Anomaly Detection, effectively addressing the emerging needs of sustainable digitalization across industrial and utility sectors.
